Selected Determinants Affecting the Quality of Sexual Life of Women Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Introduction. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease of the central nervous system, resulting from immune system dysfunction and characterized by demyelination and neurodegeneration. An essential aspect of therapy, besides improving overall quality of life, is also the quality of sexual life of patients with multiple sclerosis.

Aim. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of sexual life of female patients with multiple sclerosis.

Material and Methods. The study was conducted among 100 female patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in the Neurology Department. Research tools included a questionnaire regarding patients’ demographic and clinical data, as well as the Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire — Female (SQoL-F).

Results. The level of sexual quality of life among female patients with multiple sclerosis in the neurology department was associated with the following domains: psychosexual feelings, sexual satisfaction, relationship satisfaction, worthlessness, and sexual repression. 44% of women rated their relationship with their partner as poor. Sexual activity was rated as poor in 43% of cases, and 32% experienced a deterioration in their sexual life before and after the onset of multiple sclerosis. Factors such as demographic characteristics (place of residence, employment status, marital status) and clinical factors (obesity and diabetes) influenced the assessment of sexual quality of life.

Conclusions. The mean score for quality of life in the SQoL-F questionnaire was 69.02 with a standard deviation of SD=25.86 and a median of Me=75. Both socio-demographic and clinical factors influenced the assessment of the level of sexual quality of life among patients with multiple sclerosis. (JNNN 2024;13(1):23–28)